Headline
Headline
Back to Olympia, WA News

Lacey Fire District 3 Chief Steve Brooks Retires Jennifer Schmidt Set to Lead

Olympia, WALocal News

Lacey Fire District 3 Chief Steve Brooks is retiring at the end of 2024 after a distinguished 34-year career in fire and emergency services. His successor, Deputy Chief Jennifer Schmidt, will step into the role, making her one of only five women fire chiefs in Washington state. Schmidt has led a team of 150 career first responders, managing over 17,000 calls annually and overseeing the training division and fire academy. Brooks will transition to executive director of the Washington State Fire Chiefs Association after 14 years of service in Tennessee and 19 years in Lacey. This leadership change marks a significant moment in the district's history, emphasizing the growing role of women in fire service leadership.

Related Articles

Olympia, WALocal News

Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner Near Olympia - ThurstonTalk

Several restaurants near Olympia will offer Thanksgiving dinner in 2025, providing a variety of dining options for those looking to celebrate without cooking. The article also includes resources for free Thanksgiving dinners, catering to community needs during the holiday season.

Olympia, WALocal News

Miss Washington and Miss Washingtons Teen Give Back to Their Communities - ThurstonTalk

Miss Washington 2025 Amber Pike and Miss Washington’s Teen Kendall Runyan actively engage in community service initiatives throughout their year in office. Their commitment includes programs aimed at promoting literacy and assisting local organizations. Both titleholders exemplify leadership and community dedication in their respective roles.

Olympia, WALocal News

Olympia Author Wins 2025 Washington State Book Award

K.A. Cobell, a Native American author from Olympia, won the 2025 Washington State Book Award for Young Adult Literature for her debut novel, "Looking for Smoke." The book features a mystery on a Blackfeet reservation and emphasizes cultural representation and the theme of potential in young adulthood. Cobell aims to provide authentic narratives that resonate with both Blackfeet readers and those unfamiliar with reservation life.